Housing for an automobile entertainment system

ABSTRACT

A housing is provided for an automobile entertainment system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough. The housing includes a support frame having a rectangular shell in which a video monitor is pivotally mounted. The support frame includes a top wall and a bottom wall connected by a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and second sidewall are respectively provided with bearing slots shaped and dimensioned for receiving lateral posts extending from sides of the video monitor in a manner permitting controlled pivoting of the video monitor within the support frame. Structure is also provided for controlling movement of the video monitor within the support frame.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.60/517,862, filed Nov. 7, 2003, entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENTSYSTEM”, 60/534,705, filed Jan. 8, 2004, entitled “AUTOMOBILEENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”, and ______, filed on May 17, 2004, entitled“AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an automobile entertainment system. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a housing for use in conjunctionwith an automobile entertainment system.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Entertainment systems for automobiles are well known. As such, manyadvances have been made in the development of entertainment systems thatmake the otherwise tedious task of riding in an automobile morebearable. In addition to the development of overhead systems pioneeredby the present inventor, systems that mount within the headrest of anautomobile have also been developed.

These headrest entertainment systems allow multiple individuals to viewa variety of different video sources within the same vehicle. However,and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the time andexpense associated with the production and installation of theseheadrest systems has made their acceptance within the marketplacelimited to only those people able to afford the premium cost associatedwith their use.

As such, an improved headrest entertainment system is needed which maybe manufactured and installed in a cost effective manner while alsoproviding the consumer with independent viewing for each passenger andthe versatility he or she desires. The present invention provides suchan entertainment system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide ahousing for an automobile entertainment system mounted within anautomobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a firstdownwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough. Thehousing includes a support frame having a rectangular shell in which avideo monitor is pivotally mounted. The support frame includes a topwall and a bottom wall connected by a first sidewall and a secondsidewall. The first sidewall and second sidewall are respectivelyprovided with bearing slots shaped and dimensioned for receiving lateralposts extending from sides of the video monitor in a manner permittingcontrolled pivoting of the video monitor within the support frame.Structure is also provided for controlling movement of the video monitorwithin the support frame.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an automobileentertainment system including a video system mounted within anautomobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a firstdownwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough. Thevideo system includes a housing having a support frame having arectangular shell in which a video monitor is pivotally mounted. Thesupport frame includes a top wall and a bottom wall connected by a firstsidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and second sidewallare respectively provided with bearing slots shaped and dimensioned forreceiving lateral posts extending from sides of the video monitor in amanner permitting controlled pivoting of the video monitor within thesupport frame. Structure is provided for controlling movement of themonitor within the support frame.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system including selectively engageable membersrespectively formed on the support frame and the video monitor forcontrolling movement of the monitor within the support frame.

It is another object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system wherein the structure for controlling movementincludes selectively engageable recesses and detents respectively formedon the support frame and the video monitor. The detents are shaped anddimensioned for engagement with the various recesses as the videomonitor is pivoted relative to the support frame.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system wherein the video system includes at least onecable extending therefrom and the cable passes through the firstextension arm.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system wherein the video system includes a video source.

It is also another object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system wherein the video source is a DVD player.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system wherein the cable includes a power source wire andat least one audio wire.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system wherein the cable includes a connector shroud at adistal end the cable, and the connector shroud is provided with aselectively removable eyelet allowing the connector shroud to be grippedand pulled through a back of a vehicle seat.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system wherein the eyelet includes a cylindrical housingshaped and dimensioned to fit over the connector shroud, the housingincluding a coupling member shaped and dimensioned for engagement with awire puller.

It is also a further object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system including a power adaptor for connecting the cableand video system to a power source.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system wherein the power adaptor is shaped and dimensionedfor coupling with an automobile power adaptor outlet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system wherein the power adaptor includes a firstconnector and a second connector shaped and dimensioned for engagementwith a power supply wire of the cable, and the power adaptor alsoincludes a power plug shaped and dimensioned for selective connectionwith an automobile power adaptor outlet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system wherein the power adaptor is shaped and dimensionedfor direct connection to the vehicle power source.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anentertainment system wherein the power adaptor includes a firstconnector and a second connector shaped and dimensioned for engagementwith a power supply wire of the cable, and the power adaptor alsoincludes a pair of electrical lines for connection to an automobilepower supply.

Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description, which taken inconjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred, butnon-limiting, embodiment of the subject invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 present various views of the video system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 disclose alternate embodiments of the video systemin accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b respectively disclose a front view of the video systemhousing and a cross sectional view of the video system housing along theline B-B in FIG. 9 a.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are wiring schematics for installation of thepresent automobile entertainment system in accordance with a firstembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a multi-wire cable used in directing power andaudio signals through the back of a vehicle seat.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a removable eyelet utilized in drawing thecable shown in FIG. 11 through the back of a vehicle seat.

FIG. 12 a is a perspective view of the eyelet shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a power/audio adaptor for connecting thepresent system to various remote components.

FIGS. 14 and 15 disclose alternate embodiments of a power adaptor forconnecting the present system to a power supply.

FIGS. 16 a and 16 b are wiring schematics for installation of thepresent automobile entertainment system employing an alternate wiringarrangement.

FIG. 17 is a schematic of a further embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. Itshould be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merelyexemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis forteaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, an automobile entertainment system 10is disclosed. The automobile entertainment system 10 is composed of aseries of video and audio components integrated within an automobile 11.In particular, the entertainment system 10 includes a video system 12mounted within a standard headrest 14 of an automobile 11. The videosystem 12 generally includes a video monitor 16 for presenting videocontent and a video source 20 integrated therewith. In accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, the video source is a DVDplayer 20 coupled to the video monitor 16 for the transmission of videocontent thereto. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe video source may take a variety of forms without departing from thespirit of the present invention; for example, and not limited to,satellite video systems and Bluetooth wireless based systems. The videosystem 12 also includes an associated support frame 18. The video system12 is mounted along the rear portion of the headrest 14 such that anindividual sitting in the rear seat of the automobile 11 may watch thematerial presented on the video monitor 16 without disturbing the driverof the automobile 11.

The video system 12 also includes an associated housing 17 with asupport frame 18. The video system 12 is mounted along the rear portionof the headrest 14 such that an individual sitting in the rear seat ofthe automobile 11 may watch the material presented on the video monitor16 without disturbing the driver of the automobile 11.

The video monitor 16, DVD player 20 and associated control componentsare mounted within the housing 17. As those skilled in the art willcertainly appreciate, the video monitor 16 is mounted for viewing via anopening in the housing 17. With regard to the DVD player 20, it isintegrally molded within the housing 17 and positioned for insertion ofthe DVDs behind the video monitor 16. By mounting the DVD player 20 inthis way, a stable structure is developed that is well adapted for theautomobile environment.

While the DVD player 20 is disclosed as being a slot-loaded design withinsertion behind the video monitor, the DVD player could take a varietyof other forms while still being integrated with the video monitor 16.With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the DVD player 116 may be positionedbeneath the pivotally mounted video monitor 115. With reference to FIG.7, the DVD player 216 may be integrated with the video monitor 215 andfacilitate access via a side loading slot 217. Referring to FIG. 8, theDVD player 316 is integrated with the underside of the video monitor 315and the DVD is snapped into DVD player 316 when the monitor is pivotedupward. In addition, the DVD player may be designed with a built in TVtuner for providing the user with a choice of video sources. The DVDplayer may also be provided remotely from the video monitor and housingwithout departing from the spirit of the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, the housing 17 for the presentvideo system is disclosed. The housing 17 includes a support frame 18 inwhich the video monitor 16 is pivotally mounted. More specifically, thesupport frame 18 is a generally rectangular shell in which the videomonitor 16 is mounted. The support frame 18 includes a top wall 21 and abottom wall 22 connected by a first and second sidewalls 24, 26.

The first and second sidewalls 24, 26 are respectively provided withbearing slots 28 shaped and dimensioned for receiving lateral posts 30extending from the sides of the video monitor 16. In this way, thelateral posts 30 are mounted within the bearing slots 28 permittingcontrolled pivoting of the video monitor 16 within the support frame 18.

The controlled movement of the video monitor 16 within the support frame18 is facilitated by the provision of selectively engageable recesses 32and detents 34 respectively formed on the support frame 18 and the videomonitor 16. The detents 34 are shaped and dimensioned for engagementwith the various recesses 32 as the video monitor 16 is pivoted relativeto the support frame 18. More specifically, the detents 34 interact withthe recesses 32 to control movement of the video monitor 16 by creatingpredetermined stopping points. As those skilled in the art willcertainly appreciate, the support frame 18 includes an outer flange 36facilitating attachment of the video system 12 to the headrest 14 of anautomobile 11.

As briefly mentioned above, the video system 12 is mounted within theheadrest 14. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, thevideo system 12 is provided with inputs 39 and outputs 41 for audio andvideo. With reference to the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 10, amulti-wire cable 38 extends from the outputs 41 of the video system 12.The wires making up the multi-wire cable 38 include those for a powersupply 40 and the left and right audio outputs 42, 44 used in providingaudio to an alternate audio system, for example, a wireless RFtransmitter 46 as will be discussed below in greater detail. Referringto FIG. 10, the video system 12 is electrically connected to theremainder of the automobile 11 and a wireless RF transmitter 46 viaelectrical communication lines extending through the extension arm 48 ofthe headrest 14 and the back 50 of the vehicle seat 52. For example, andas will be discussed below in substantial detail, a power source wire 40and audio output wires 42, 44 are respectively connected to the videosystem 12 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

In order to facilitate ease of installation, and with reference to FIGS.10 and 11, the multiple wires required for the power source 40 and audiooutputs 42, 44 are maintained within a single multi-wire cable 38. Themultiple wires are passed through a single extension arm 48 of theheadrest 14 with the chosen extension arm 48 functioning as a conduitfor running the multi-wire cable 38 from the video system 12 to theremainder of the automobile 11.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 12 and 12 a, the passage of the multi-wire cable38 through the headrest extension arm 48 and the back 50 of the vehicleseat 52 is facilitated by the provision of a selectively removableeyelet 54 coupled to the connector shroud 56 at the distal end 58 of themulti-wire cable 38. The provision of the eyelet 54 allows the connectorshroud 56 to be gripped and pulled through the extension arm 48 and theback 50 of the vehicle seat 52 through utilization of a traditional“wire puller” 59 used by electricians to pull wires through walls andother confined spaces.

Passage of the connector shroud 56 through the extension arm 48 and theback 50 of the vehicle seat 52 is further enhanced by the shape of theconnector shroud 56. More particularly, the connector shroud 56 iscylindrical and is shaped and dimensioned to readily fit within theextension arm 48 of a conventional headrest 44. As will be discussedbelow in greater detail, the connector shroud 56 houses a plurality ofconnector pins 80 used in linking the video system to other componentsof the present invention.

The eyelet 54 includes a cylindrical housing 60 shaped and dimensionedto fit over the connector shroud 56. The eyelet 54 is selectivelysecured to the shroud 56 via a conventional lock arm 62 used in thesecure connection of cable connectors. The cylindrical housing 60includes an open first end 64 that is shaped to receive the connectorshroud 56 and a second end 66 having a closed loop 68 extendingtherefrom. The closed loop 68 is shaped and dimensioned for engagementwith the “wire puller” 59. In this way, the eyelet 54 is secured to theconnector shroud 56 at the distal end 58 of the multi-wire cable 38 andboth are drawn through the back 50 of the vehicle seat 52 by the “wirepuller” 59. Once the distal end 58 of the multi-wire cable 38 is pulledthrough the vehicle seat 52, the eyelet 54 is removed from the connectorshroud 56 and the cable 38 is ready for attachment to various componentsas described below in greater detail. Although a closed loop isdisclosed for attachment to the wire puller in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, other structural couplingmembers, for example, hook snap, open loop, etc. could be used withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention.

Once the distal end 58 of the multi-wire cable 38 is pulled though theback 50 of the vehicle seat 52, various adaptors may be used to coupleit to the appropriate power, video and audio sources. With reference toFIG. 13, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention a power/audio adaptor 70 including wiring for powertransmission 72, left audio transmission 74 and right audio transmission76 is shown. The proximal end 78 of the adaptor 70 is provided with malepins 80 for connection with the female connection structures (not shown)provided at the distal end 58 of the multi-wire cable 38. The distal end82 of the adaptor 70 includes a power connection 84 and standard RCAconnections 86 for the audio signal.

FIGS. 14 and 15 disclose further power adaptors 88, 88′ for connectionto the power connection 84 of the power/audio adaptor 70 shown in FIG.13. In particular, FIG. 14 discloses a power adaptor 88 for tapping intoa power source via a DC “cigarette lighter”, or power adaptor outlets,provided in most vehicles and FIG. 15 discloses a power adaptor 88′ fordirect connection to the vehicle power source (not shown).

The power adaptor 88 shown in FIG. 14 includes first and secondconnectors 90, 92 (potentially a third connector 93 for attachment tothe power input of the RF transmitter 46) shaped and dimensioned forengagement with the power connectors 84 of the power/audio adaptors 70of the two video systems 12 installed in adjacent headrests 14. Thepower adaptor 88 also includes a conventional power plug 94 at theopposite end for plugging into a power adaptor outlet. As such, multiplesystems 12 may be connected to a single power source.

The power adaptor 88′ shown in FIG. 15 includes first and secondconnectors 90′, 92′ (potentially a third connector 93′ for attachment tothe power input of the RF transmitter 46) shaped and dimensioned forengagement with the power connectors 84 of the power/audio adaptors 70of the two video systems 12 installed in adjacent headrests 14. Thepower adaptor 88′ also includes a conventional pair of electrical lines94′ at the opposite end for connection to the automobile power supply.As such, multiple systems 12 may be connected to a single power source.

More particularly, and in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the power source wire 40 may runs either directlyfrom the main automobile power source (see FIG. 15) or via the poweradaptor outlet via a power adaptor outlet (see FIG. 14).

As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the audio portionof the source may be transmitted to users in a variety of ways withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention. For example, and inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thevideo monitors 16 are provided with a direct audio input 61 allowingusers to simply plug-in their headphones to listen to the audio contentof the source being transmitted by the video monitor 16.

In accordance with still a further feature of the present invention, theaudio source being generated by the DVD player 20 is transmitted to awireless RF transmitter 46 via the audio output wires 40, 42 discussedabove, which transmits the audio content at a frequency received by theradio system of the automobile 11 or wireless headphones. In this way,the users of the present system need only tune to a predetermined radiofrequency to listen to the audio content through the traditional speakersystem of the automobile 11. Further, and in accordance with yet afurther embodiment of the present invention, the audio output wires 40,42 of the DVD player 20 may be hardwired to the radio of the automobile11 for listening over the stereo system of the automobile 11. As thoseskilled in the art will certainly appreciate, it is further contemplatedthe audio output wires 40, 42 may be connected to a variety of othersound transducers which convert the audio signals to audible sounds forlistening by those watching the video monitor without departing from thespirit of the present invention. As mentioned above, where headphonesare utilized the audio outputs will preferably be connected to awireless transmitter for use in conjunction with wireless headphones.Optionally, it is contemplated the audio outputs may be connected to aswitch box allowing for selective use of both the audio system of theautomobile and/or an audio jack (for attachment with a headphone). Asthose skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the system will alsoinclude ports for the attachment of video games and other video sources.

Control of the DVD player 20 is facilitated by the provision of controlbuttons (not shown) along the outer surface of the DVD player. Thecontrol buttons are conventional in the art and may take a variety offorms. In addition to the provision of manual control buttons, the DVDplayer may further include a remote control (not shown) such that anindividual need not actually touch the DVD player 20 or video system 12to control the video content or the volume generated by the video system12. Once again, and as those skilled in the art will certainlyappreciate, a variety of remote control systems may be utilized withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention.

The versatility of the present system may be further enhanced by theprovision of different cables for the power and the audio output. Forexample, and with reference to FIG. 16, separate cables 138, 139 extendthrough the respective support arms 148 a, 4148 b of the headrest 14. Aswith the prior embodiment, the passage of the power cable 138 and theaudio output cable 139 through the headrest extension arms 148 a, 148 band the back 150 of the vehicle seat 152 is facilitated by the provisionof an eyelet 154 with the connector shroud 156 at the distal end 158 ofthe cables 138, 139. The provision of the eyelet 154 allows for theconnector shroud 156 to be gripped and pulled through the extension arms148 a, 148 b and the back 150 of the vehicle seat 152 throughutilization of a traditional “wire puller” 159 used by electricians topull wires through walls and other confined spaces.

As mentioned above, once the distal end 158 of the power cable 138 andaudio output cable 139 are pulled though the back 150 of the vehicleseat 152, various adaptors may be used to couple it to the appropriatepower and audio sources. In accordance with this embodiment, it ispreferred that the audio output cable 139 be directly connected to awireless RF transmitter 146, while either of the power adaptors 188,188′ disclosed in FIGS. 14 and 15 may be used for coupling the videosystem 112 to a source of power.

As shown in FIG. 16, the embodiment provides for two RF transmitters 146making it possible for individuals sitting next to each other to watchdifferent videos and listen to the different videos through wirelessheadphones.

In accordance with yet a further embodiment and with reference to FIG.17, each video system 212 a-d is provided with an input 239 a-d and anoutput 241 a-d providing the ability to input and output video and audiosignals for use in conjunction with other video systems found within thesame automobile. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate,there are times when people sitting within an automobile will wish towatch the same thing on different video systems. In accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present, the plurality of video systems 212a-d within the automobile may be linked. As such, the content of a DVDplaying in one video system 212 a-d may be transferred to the othervideo system(s) 212 a-d such that people viewing other video systems 212a-d installed within an automobile can simultaneously watch and listento the same video content. The use of the switching system describedbelow does not negate the ability of an automobile passenger toindividually watch a video without sharing via the central switchingassembly 213.

With this mind and with reference to FIG. 17, an entertainment system210 employing four linked video systems 212 a-d is disclosed. Theentertainment system 210 includes a central switching assembly 213 towhich the various video systems 212 a-d are linked for outputtingsignals to and receiving signals from. The central switching assembly213 receives and transmits video and audio content in a controlledmanner such that the same audio and video content is selectivelyprovided for individuals viewing different monitors 216 a-d whilesitting in an automobile. This is accomplished by linking the audio andvideo inputs 239 a-d and outputs 241 a-d from the various video systems212 a-d installed with a vehicle and selectively transmitting thedesired content to the different video systems 212 a-d. The centralswitching assembly 213 also includes a separate audio/video input 215(for example, RCA plugs) for receiving video content from a remotesource for transmission to the various video systems 212 a-d connectedthereto.

More specifically, the central switching assembly 213 is provided withthe ability to receive audio and video outputs from the various videosystems 212 a-d connected thereto and transmit, in a predeterminedmanner under the control of the vehicle operator, video and audio inputsto the various video systems 212 a-d connected thereto. In addition, toproviding for the ready transfer of information between the variousvideo systems 212 a-d connected thereto, the central switching assembly213 is also provided with a wireless FM transmitter 217. The transmitter217 allows for the transmission of audio signals to the automobile radio(not shown) for listening on a predetermined frequency via theautomobile stereo. In particular, and as those skilled in the art willcertainly appreciate, the transmitter 217 is designed to transmit audiosignals on a predetermined frequency receivable by the vehicle radio.The signal is received by the vehicle radio, demodulated and played overthe vehicle stereo. The central switching assembly 213 may also beprovided with a TV tuner, a modulator and/or other wirelesstransmitters.

With regard to the system disclosed with reference to FIG. 17, a firstvideo system 212 a, a second video system 212 b, a third video system212 c and a fourth video system 212 d are provided. The first and secondvideo systems 212 a, 221 b are positioned within the respectiveheadrests 214 a, 214 b of the front vehicle seats 252 a, 252 b, whilethe third and fourth video systems 212 c, 212 d are positioned withinthe respective headrests 214 c, 214 d of the second row of seating foundin the automobile. In accordance with the disclosed configuration, thefirst and second video systems 212 a, 212 b are coupled to bothaudio/video inputs 270 a, 270 b and audio/video outputs 272 a, 272 b,while the third and fourth video systems are only connected withaudio/video inputs 270 c, 270 d coming from the central switchingassembly 213. As with the various embodiments described above, thecables coupling the first, second, third and fourth video systems 212a-d to the central switching assembly 213 are passed through theextension arm of the headrest 214 a-d and down the back of the vehicleseat 252 a-d. While a specific configuration is disclosed in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the input andoutput configurations may be readily varied without departing from thespirit of the present invention.

With reference to the first and second video systems 212 a-d, eachincludes two six-pin cables 276, 278 extending therefrom, one for theinput side 239 a, 239 b of the system and the other for the output side241 a, 241 b of the video system 212 a, 212 b. Each of the six-pincables 276, 278 is passed through a respective extension arm of theheadrest 214 a, 214 b. With reference to the output side 241 a, 241 b ofthe video system 212 a, 212 b, the six-pin cable 278 includes wiring forpower, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal.In this way, the first and second video systems are able to readilytransfer video and audio information to the central switching assembly213 for sharing with the remaining video systems 212 a-d connectedthereto.

As mentioned above, each of the first, second, third and fourth videosystems 212 a-d include an input cable 276 for receiving audio and videosignals from the central switching assembly 213. In accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the input cables276 is a six-pin cable includes wiring for power, right and left audioinput signals, and a video input signal. In this way, the first, second,third and fourth video systems 212 a-d are able to readily receive videoand audio information from the central switching assembly 213.

With output cables 278 transferring audio and video signals to thecentral switching assembly 213, and input cables 276 transferring audioand video signals to the video systems 212 a-d, the central switchingassembly 213 includes a central processor 280 programmed to control tothe transmission of signals in an efficient manner.

The power supply 282 for the video systems 212 a-d is run through thecentral switching assembly 213. As mentioned above, each of the cables276, 278 coupled to the various video systems 212 a-d includes wiringfor power transmission. With this in mind, the central switchingassembly 213 is linked to a power source 282, for example, an auxiliarypower plug commonly found in vehicles or a direct link to the vehiclepower source via cable previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 14and 15, respectively. The power supplied to the central switchingassembly 213 is then transferred to the various video systems 212 a-dvia the power lines of the six-pin cables 276, 278 linking the videosystems 212 a-d to the central switching assembly 213.

Through implementation of the switching system described above,automobile passengers have the choice of watching individual videos byusing the video systems as self contained units or watching the samevideo through the linking provided via the implementation of the centralswitching assembly 213.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it willbe understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by suchdisclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A housing for an automobile entertainment system mounted within anautomobile headrest, the headrest including a headrest body and a firstdownwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough, thehousing comprising: a support frame including a rectangular shell inwhich a video monitor is pivotally mounted, the support frame includes atop wall and a bottom wall connected by a first sidewall and a secondsidewall; the first sidewall and second sidewall are respectivelyprovided with bearing slots shaped and dimensioned for receiving lateralposts extending from sides of the video monitor in a manner permittingcontrolled pivoting of the video monitor within the support frame; andmeans for controlling movement of the video monitor within the supportframe.
 2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the means forcontrolling movement includes selectively engageable membersrespectively formed on the support frame and the video monitor.
 3. Thehousing according to claim 1, wherein the means for controlling movementincludes selectively engageable recesses and detents respectively formedon the support frame and the video monitor, wherein the detents areshaped and dimensioned for engagement with the various recesses as thevideo monitor is pivoted relative to the support frame.
 4. An automobileentertainment system, comprising: a video system mounted within anautomobile headrest, the headrest including a headrest body and a firstdownwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough; thevideo system including a housing having a support frame including arectangular shell in which a video monitor is pivotally mounted, thesupport frame includes a top wall and a bottom wall connected by a firstsidewall and a second sidewall; the first sidewall and second sidewallare respectively provided with bearing slots shaped and dimensioned forreceiving lateral posts extending from sides of the video monitor in amanner permitting controlled pivoting of the video monitor within thesupport frame; and means for controlling movement of the monitor withinthe support frame.
 5. The entertainment system according to claim 4,wherein the means for controlling movement includes selectivelyengageable members respectively formed on the support frame and thevideo monitor.
 6. The entertainment system according to claim 4, whereinthe means for controlling movement includes selectively engageablerecesses and detents respectively formed on the support frame and thevideo monitor, wherein the detents are shaped and dimensioned forengagement with the various recesses as the video monitor is pivotedrelative to the support frame.
 7. The entertainment system according toclaim 4, wherein the video system includes at least one cable extendingtherefrom and the cable passes through the first extension arm.
 8. Theentertainment system according to claim 7, wherein the video systemincludes a video source.
 9. The entertainment system according to claim8, wherein the video source is a DVD player.
 10. The entertainmentsystem according to claim 7, wherein the cable includes a power sourcewire and at least one audio wire
 11. The entertainment system accordingto claim 7, wherein the cable includes a connector shroud at a distalend the cable, and the connector shroud is provided with a selectivelyremovable eyelet allowing the connector shroud to be gripped and pulledthrough a back of a vehicle seat.
 12. The entertainment system accordingto claim 11, wherein the eyelet includes a cylindrical housing shapedand dimensioned to fit over the connector shroud, the housing includinga coupling member shaped and dimensioned for engagement with a wirepuller.
 13. The entertainment system according to claim 7, furtherincluding a power adaptor for connecting the cable and video system to apower source.
 14. The entertainment system according to claim 13,wherein the power adaptor is shaped and dimensioned for coupling with anautomobile power adaptor outlet.
 15. The entertainment system accordingto claim 14, wherein the power adaptor includes a first connector and asecond connector shaped and dimensioned for engagement with a powersupply wire of the cable, and the power adaptor also includes a powerplug shaped and dimensioned for selective connection with an automobilepower adaptor outlet.
 16. The entertainment system according to claim13, wherein the power adaptor is shaped and dimensioned for directconnection to the vehicle power source.
 17. The entertainment systemaccording to claim 16, wherein the power adaptor includes a firstconnector and a second connector shaped and dimensioned for engagementwith a power supply wire of the cable, and the power adaptor alsoincludes a pair of electrical lines for connection to an automobilepower supply.